JOGLE Day 14: Hereford To Bath

Hereford to Bath

Today was a tough one and we are so tired. We’ve had 2 early mornings which may not have helped, but it’s possible the daily exercise is starting to take its toll.

With the rain, the hills and a couple little issues, today has been a testing one, but we made it to Bath, we’re safe well fed and happy and that’s all that matters!

Stew’s words this morning were that he thought this would be flat as some of the route was along a river – 3300ft later we’re having lunch 2. It rained for the first time so we’ve been in our water proof jackets. In 5 hours we’d done 33 Miles. Sometimes you’ve just got to stop and eat your way through!! Hot cups of tea, cheese toasties and mammoth sausage rolls are getting us through!

We biked 74 Miles today and climbed just shy of 5000 feet – quite substantial! The hills were short, sharp nasty ones!! At one stage I didn’t change my gears properly and had to hop off the bike before I took a fall! No way was I walking though – I’m determined to cycle the lot (although let’s see what Devon and Cornwall had to offer…) instead of giving up I picked up the back wheel, span the peddles and started off up the hill in the lowest possible gear. It was only about 3 metres but I was cycling up that hill one way or another!

We had some lovely stops and the views of Wye Valley were lovely.

Only one complaint really and that’s my left thumb! As if I can ride a bike for 805 miles and complain about a thumb!!! Let me tell you we nearly had a tantrum on our hands at mile 61. My left gear changer isn’t changing very easily and it’s such an effort to change gear! It’s so stiff and I can’t barely move it! I’ve pushed with my left thumb, tried to change my left changer with my right hand which solves one problem but with it brings others…Stew also tried to change my gears as we cycled side by side (not recommended!!) Nevermind though, a mere 216 Miles to go! We can do this!!

Post written by: Zoe Ashbridge